Climbing my grandfather-Andrew Waterhouse

• What is the nature of the poem "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  Semi-autobiographical

  
• What perspective does the speaker recount in the poem?

  Childhood memories of his grandfather

  
• What extended metaphor is employed in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  Mountaineering

  
• How does the poem reflect Waterhouse's interests?

  It reflects his keen interest in environmentalism
• Where does the speaker start his 'climb' in the poem?

  At his grandfather's shoes

  
• What does the speaker reflect on as he climbs his grandfather's body?

  His shoes, hands, skin, and nails
• What does the speaker do when he reaches his grandfather's shoulders?

  Reflects on his 'journey' so far
• What does the speaker find at the top of his grandfather's head?

  His grandfather's "good heart"
• What is Andrew Waterhouse's lifespan?

  1958 - 2001
• What personal struggle did Waterhouse face?

  Mental illness
• What academic achievement did Waterhouse obtain related to his work?

  A master's in Environmental Science
• What are the key themes in "Climbing My Grandfather"?

  Childhood, love, familial relationships

  
• What does the act of climbing symbolize in the poem?

  Getting to know his grandfather

  
• What does the element of peril in the poem suggest?

  A generational divide or familiarity
• How does the present tense affect the poem's perspective?

  It presents the speaker as active
• What does the preposition "without" invoke in the poem?

  Themes of independence and liberation
• How does the enjambment in the poem reflect the climbing process?

  It represents the complex process of knowing someone

  
• What does the adjective "cracked" suggest about the grandfather?

  He has experience and advice
• What does the juxtaposition of "easy" and "scramble" imply?

  A divide between the child and grandfather
• What does the description of the grandfather's shoulders imply?

  Respect and resilience
• What does the term "well-spaced" imply about the grandfather's wrinkles?

  Intentionalism in his life experiences
• What does the phrase "slowly open and close" connote?

  Consideration and care
• What does "heat" symbolize in the poem?

  Comfort and familiarity
• What does the speaker feel while lying and watching clouds?

  The slow pulse of his good heart
• How does the title "Climbing My Grandfather" relate to the poem's themes?

  It reflects the relationship and exploration

  
• What does the poem's structure as a single stanza suggest?

  A continuous theme of climbing

  
• How does enjambment contribute to the poem's meaning?

  It reflects natural conversation and exploration
• What does the semantic field of mountaineering suggest?

  Care and admiration for his grandfather
• What are the similarities and differences between "Climbing My Grandfather" and "Follower"?

  Similarities:

  • Both use extended metaphor
  • First person narrative in present tense
  • Loose structure

  
  

  Differences:

  • Different structures (free verse vs. ABAB)
  • Different perspectives on childhood
• What does the metaphor of climbing represent in the poem?

  • Getting to know his grandfather
  • The process of growing up
  • Admiration for the grandfather's experiences

  
• What role does oxymoronic language play in the poem?

  • Demonstrates complexity of memory
  • Reflects the grandson-grandfather bond
  • Highlights contradictions in experiences
• How does the poem's structure reflect its themes?

  • Unbroken stanza mirrors climbing
  • Reflects child-like nature of memories
  • No specific syllable lengths or rhyme scheme
• How does the poem connect to Waterhouse's environmentalist background?

  • Natural imagery throughout the poem
  • Emphasizes connection between grandson and grandfather
  • Reflects Waterhouse's focus on nature